T.J. Yates named Texans backup quarterback

Coach Gary Kubiak announced Thursday that Yates will back up starter Matt Schaub to begin the Texans’ season. But the battle between Yates and Keenum, a former University of Houston standout, isn’t over. The duo will compete throughout the season for the No. 2 role and Keenum’s faster-than-expected rise gives the Texans three QBs on the 53-man roster and two solid insurance arms in case Schaub goes down.

“I couldn’t have made a wrong decision. They both played so well,” Kubiak said at Reliant Stadium.

He added: “T.J. answered the bell. He got pushed and played as good as he’s played around here.”

Keenum was an NCAA record-setting QB with the Cougars but went undrafted in 2012 and spent the Texans’ 12-4 season on the team’s practice squad. Yates held the Texans’ top passer rating (121.8) and completion percentage (70) during the preseason, filled in for Schaub during the team’s first playoff victory two seasons ago, and would be a starter on some NFL teams. But while Keenum has no pro experience and is undersized at 6-1, 205, his combination of speed and agility gives the Texans’ offense a look Schaub and Yates can’t match.

Offensive coordinator Rick Dennison acknowledged Keenum’s step forward occurred quicker than most expected. His 482 passing yards led the Texans during the preseason and were second in the NFL, while he completed 43-of-63 passes for three touchdowns and a 106.7 rating.

“It was very hard (to decide),” Dennison said. “They both played very well. They’re both extremely hard workers, both very bright.”

With Schaub injured in 2011, Yates (6-4, 217) started five games and completed 82-of-134 passes for 949 yards and three touchdowns. His progression stagnated last season, though, and the 2011 fifth-round pick out of North Carolina acknowledged several times this preseason the competition with Keenum helped push his focus and execution to a new level.

Schaub is the Texans’ long-term starter and the team’s much-discussed Super Bowl aspirations will likely evaporate if he misses significant time. But Yates and Keenum will give the team improved backup options this year and the latter could be a pro QB in waiting if his evolution continues.